DLP Resources Inc. has received all necessary permits and authorizations to commence its maiden diamond drill program at the Esperanza copper-gold-molybdenum project in southern Peru, with the first hole expected to be collared on September 18, 2026.

The 22,500-hectare property has never previously been drill tested. The maiden program comprises approximately 3,000 metres across seven diamond drill holes designed to test two distinct targets within the same system. Four shallow holes, each to a maximum of 150 metres, will test a near-surface copper oxide zone measuring 300 metres by 700 metres. Systematic trenching across this zone previously returned broad continuous intervals including 54 metres grading 1.53% copper and 86 metres grading 0.73% copper. Three deeper holes of 800 metres each will test the interpreted porphyry core beneath a 5.0 kilometre by 2.5 kilometre magnetic anomaly supported by surface rock chip samples running up to 550 grams per tonne silver and 4.55% copper.

DLP previously completed a 280 line-kilometre aeromagnetic drone survey, 3D magnetic susceptibility modeling defining a 4.4 cubic kilometre magnetic body, and systematic trenching that outlined the targets now scheduled for drilling. In May 2026, the company closed a brokered private placement for gross proceeds of C$6 million, allocating net proceeds to fund exploration at Esperanza alongside its Aurora project.

The upcoming campaign follows earlier progress that advanced the 3,000-metre program through permitting toward a third-quarter start. DLP will release assay results from the maiden program as they are received, verified, and compiled.

“Receiving these permits clears the final hurdle before we put the first drill hole into Esperanza. This is a 22,500-hectare project in one of the most productive copper belts on earth, with a five by two-and-a-half-kilometre magnetic anomaly, high-grade copper in trenches and 550 gram-per-tonne silver in veins at surface, and not a single metre of drilling done to date. We have designed this program to answer two questions at once: how far the near-surface copper oxide mineralisation extends below the trenches, and what sits in the porphyry core at depth. We expect to be drilling by September 18 and look forward to reporting results as the program advances.”

— Ian Gendall, President and CEO of DLP

Mobilization to site is underway with equipment expected over the coming days ahead of the scheduled September 18 start date.

Read the full announcement: DLP Receives Drill Permits at Esperanza; First-Ever Drill Program to Commence September 18, 2026